By Joel T. Patz

There was a time when you could get everything in a modem-speed, dependability, data and voice functions, and a nice price to boot-but you couldn't get them all in a Hayes product.

The Hayes Office Communications Manager changes that. It features a Plug-and-Play Accura 28.8Kbps modem capable of a 115.2Kbps maximum throughput. It handles Group 3 faxes at 14.4Kbps (supporting both Class 1 and 2 fax compression standards). It also supports V.42, MNP 2-4 error control, V.42bis and MNP 5 data compression and, of course, the Hayes standard AT command set. I couldn't find a program that did not work with this Hayes modem.

The Accura 288 is loaded with voice features and the software to support them. The modem includes VoiceView TalkShop for Windows 95 and 3.1x, which allows you to talk and receive data during the same phone call. The modem can recognize whether the incoming call is voice, fax or data and produces a distinctive ring for each. You also get Caller ID options.

With the bundled Smartcom Message Center (along with the "LE" version) software, you can set up a digital voice mail system with multiple mailboxes and password security. Use the prerecorded voice files for greetings or create your own. The included Labtec microphone lets you take advantage of the modem's full-duplex speakerphone capabilities and, if you're out, pager notification alerts you that messages are waiting. Smartcom also has sophisticated applications that can set up a fax-on-demand service and more.

--Info File--
Hayes Office Communications Manager
Price: $189
Pros: Installation; ease of use; functionality
Cons: None
Platforms: Windows 95, 3.1x
Hayes Microcomputer Products
800-429-3739, 770-441-1617
WinMag Box Score: 5.0